It is very interesting to note that great parallels can be drawn between our 16th century historical romance, Jodha Akbar' and William Shakespeare's most famous drama Othello', also written in the 16th century.
Well, the latter may purely be a work of fiction and the former drawn from true historical facts, but still at least partly, Jodha Akbar remains a work of imagination adapted for entertainment and the credibility of the romantic plot will always remain a topic for discussion.
Well, that's a different subject. Now to delve upon the similarities between the two dramas --- it is an incidental revelation that both deal with race. Othello, the black protagonist faces constant racism from other characters, especially when he marries Desdemona, a privileged white woman. So does Jodha. As a Hindu she faces certain hardships from certain characters in Jallal's court. Othello's suspicion on his wife, Desdemona is instigated by Iago and Akbar's suspicion on his wife, Jodha is created by Maham Anga. It's Iago who insinuates that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair, and here it's Mahamanga who does the repulsive act, although she knows that Jodha is meeting none other than her own brother. This apart, what I'm interested in here is to focus on the jealousy and suspicion that is nurtured in the minds of Akbar or Othello. Is it or not justifiable?
When a person loves another profoundly and discovers that the loved person is betraying his/her love, then certainly there is room for wrath to the extent that all hell can be let loose. The loved person does not reveal the truth even when questioned, is that not sufficient reason to upset the emotion of the person who is in love? We hear Jodha continuously justify her action by saying that Akbar must have trusted her integrity and love for him. But, when he has beheld with his own eyes Jodha going out in disguise in the dark of night, is he not justified in charging her with treason?
Well, it has been the argument of many critics of Othello that obsessive jealousy has been the cause of destruction of precious relationships. It is true, but looking at it from a psychological perspective, I, personally, am of the opinion that secrets when not revealed to one who loves and trusts you can equally be the cause of warping a romantic relationship, which is what happens in Jodha Akbar. In Othello too, Othello is not able to see in person the man who meets his wife and the same happens in Jodha Akbar. But these women mask the truth out of their own fear. And the fear to speak out the truth can also grow from the fact that these women do not have sufficient trust in the men they love. Infidelity can actually make jealousy justifiable. What I really wish to say is for trust to be established between two persons, secrets must not exist. So, which is to be blamed, jealousy or its cause?
You can also read my write up in the link given below and comment :)
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